Katy driver was texting before fatal crash, DPS says

A Katy man was texting when his vehicle slammed into the back of an 18-wheeler Tuesday in Navasota, killing him on impact, the Montgomery County Police Reporter reported.

“He was on the computer and texting and doing stuff on the palm pilot at the time of the crash,” said Trooper Kenneth Balzekas with DPS. “It was smashed between him and the steering wheel and was still on with partial messaging. He was looking down. That would explain why he never hit the brakes and never steered.”

Investigators say the 55-year-old driver, from Katy, slammed into the back of a stopped 18-wheeler. He died on impact.

“Texting while driving, doing stuff like that is almost the same if not worse as an intoxicated motorist,” said Balzekas.

The motorist’s identity was not immediately available. The driver of the 18-wheeler was taken to a hospital in Navasota with neck pain, according to DPS.